Jacksonville, AL – The what and where are easy to share, but when Mrs. Charlcie Pettway Vann, director for JSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion sat down with the Calhoun Journal she felt the why was the most important factor and often the most overlooked.
She wanted to stress that Juneteenth was a day for remembrance and celebration in the Black Community. It was Mrs. Opal Lee from Galveston Bay, Texas that really pioneered the move to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but many slaves didn’t learn about this for years. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.
Ms. Vann explained that many in the black community view Juneteenth as Freedom Day for enslaved people. Similar to a Fourth of July celebration. For JAX State and the city of Jacksonville this will be a day of music, food, games, and true togetherness for the community. Juneteenth is a time to remember history and celebrate today’s accomplishments and freedoms.
On June 15th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm anyone is welcome to come to this free event that will be held in the courtyard of Merrill Hall. If the weather is too hot or if it rains it will be moved inside to the atrium. Ms. Vann spoke about this event being opened to the Beloved Community. “The Beloved Community” is a term made popular by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This philosophy practiced by Dr. King and others interested in goodwill for all humankind were everyone is important and can contribute to society with peace and respect.
Mrs. Vann will welcome everyone at the beginning at 5pm. She will also explain a bit about the history of Juneteenth. Local singer and JAX State Alumni, Jason Wright, the Piedmont High school fine arts teacher will sing. Guest speaker, Myles Ham, will share his experiences as a college student. He is a recent graduate from Concord University. The Anniston Steppers will perform! Mrs. Sandra Sudduth, former City of Jacksonville City Council president and member, will be recognized for her hard work in the community as well. The band, T.A.D. of Jazz will also perform. Ms. Vann says both the Anniston Steppers and T.A.D. of Jazz were hits in 2022 and she is excited to celebrate with them again this year. In addition, The Living By Faith Ministry Mini Ministers Singers of Oxford will perform.
There will be soul/southern food available such as wings, collards, mac and cheese, and red foods and drinks that are special on this day because enslaved people were not allowed to consume red foods. A few red items on the menu will be red velvet cake and strawberry soda/punch. In between the food and music there will be traditional games such as Bid whist, Spades, Dominoes, and other board games. The event will center around family fun.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at JAX State is also partnering with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jacksonville for this event. Councilwoman Sherry Laster spoke to the Calhoun Journal and shared the follow statement, “Celebrating Juneteenth is important for city of Jacksonville because it helps to acknowledge and commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, an institution that had a profound and lasting impact on African Americans. It can also serve as a time for reflection and education on the continued struggle for racial equality and justice. Additionally, celebrating Juneteenth can help to bring communities together and promote unity and understanding across different races and cultures.”
Regardless of whether you attended last years event or this is your first time Mrs. Vann stressed all are welcome to come and celebrate and enjoy an evening of fun. There are still room for a few more vendors. More information is available at the link.
